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School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Environmental Geography

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UCAS tariff 104 - 112 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F811
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

This degree explores the relationships between people, places and the environment and how past, present and future environmental challenges can be tackled at various spatial scales and in a variety of global contexts. Hence, our Environmental Geography degree provides students with the knowledge and skills to understand and tackle the biggest global challenges facing the planet and humanity; and our modules do this by engaging with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Key features
  • Your degree pathway is flexible, as you can choose both physical geography (GGP) and human geography (GGH) modules, alongside modules from Environmental Science (ENVS) and Environmental Management and Sustainability (ENVM).
  • Teaching is innovative and student-centred. You will learn through lectures, seminars, practicals, national and/or international residential fieldwork, tutorials and one-to-one dissertation support.
  • Learn to use Geographical Information Systems to analyse and communicate complex spatial data.
  • Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programme.
  • Our focus on employability and applied geography supports students to pursue a range of career opportunities.
  • Choose an optional work placement programme providing skills, experience and contacts in a wide range of employment sectors.
  • Benefit from our unique location, in the heart of the historical city of Plymouth, bordered by Dartmoor National Park as well as the Tamar Valley and South Hams Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Devon and Cornwall have glorious beaches, coasts, rivers and estuaries.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Year 1

  • From day one we will introduce you to new ways of reading the world around you. You will explore real-world case studies using new skills in GIS, data analysis, visualisation, and mapping. Field trips in our ‘natural laboratory’ of south west England will help you see familiar places in new ways. You will discover the role and value of the geographer in a world of rapid change and global challenges and be supported in your learning through regular sessions with your dedicated tutor.

    Core modules

    GEES1101
    Culture, Society and Space 20 credits

    What do human geographers do, and how does human geography help us understand the world? This module tackles this question by examining the important role human geographers plays in confronting and resolving global societal challenges. Through a mix of practical and conceptual training, students will investigate societal issues using cutting edge technologies, such as virtual reality, urban fieldwork and GIS mapping.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES1102
    People and Place 20 credits

    Places matter! Places locate us on the planet; they are where we live our lives; and they are imagined, used and contested in different ways. Drawing on local fieldwork and a fascinating range of lecture topics, learn why places are important to people and the study of geography. Studying local, national and international issues, you will develop observational skills and new ways of thinking about the world around you.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES1103
    Glaciers, Deserts and Climate Change 20 credits

    Deserts are expanding. The Arctic is melting. The 21st Century is a time of extraordinary transition. Here we show you why. We journey back in time to explore how and why climate has changed over thousands of years. We examine why cold places have such remarkable features and what they can tell us. We delve into the drivers of our driest environments. We ask what agency humans have had in these places and since when.

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    50% Tests

    GEES1104
    Water, Landscapes and Environmental Management 20 credits

    Here we begin our overview of contemporary physical geography. The module is structured around key themes that are prominent in geographical thinking about the environment. Lectures provide a framework for understanding these themes, and through fieldwork and supporting laboratory classes we explore examples of their local manifestation using quantitative data, graphic and spatial statistical analysis.

    50% Practicals

    50% Tests

    GEES1106
    Our Digital Planet 20 credits

    This module explores the challenges and most pressing issues facing our planet today. Students will discover the role of geographic data analyses and visualisation techniques to provide solutions. Data analysis, GIS and cartographic techniques will be introduced using real-world examples. Students will meet with a personal tutor regularly, to support them through tutorials as they adjust to university-level study.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    GEES1301
    Environment and Society 20 credits

    This module examines the role of human society, organisations and individuals in environmental management and sustainability, through case studies in the local area. We will examine the concepts of environmental narratives, environmental consumption and behaviours, agency and change leadership and show that environmental management can be addressed on scales from the global to the local and from the present to the future.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

  • Year 2

  • From your rapid transformation into a degree-level geographer through year 1, here you learn more complex theory and expand your skills. You will have the opportunity to explore and carry out research in exciting landscapes and cultures on overseas fieldtrips. Optional modules allow you to explore topics and themes that inspire you – see the option modules below for a flavour of where your learning could go next.

    Core modules

    GEES2000
    Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

    100% Assessments

    GEES2106
    Principles and Applications of Geography 1 20 credits

    In this module students learn about and critically reflect upon various approaches to the production of geographical knowledge, and the different ways and contexts in which this knowledge is applied. The module develops students’ awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules and identifies links between geographical research and employability.

    70% Remotely delivered assessments

    30% Practicals

    GEES2107
    Principles and Applications of Geography 2 20 credits

    Students learn about, practise and critically reflect upon different research methods and techniques in the production of geographical knowledge. The module refines students’ awareness of the place and importance of geographical research in preparation for dissertation study and fieldwork modules, and its links to employability. Tutorials are provided for additional, small group discussion of issues arising.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2109
    Fieldwork in Geography 20 credits

    This module enhances students' knowledge and understanding of geographical patterns and processes in the field environment, using appropriate research techniques. Parallel fieldtrips are run to overseas destinations, to a comparable academic format.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES2304
    Environmental Issues and Communication 20 credits

    Through immersion in contemporary environmental issues, this module develops the knowledge and skills necessary to locate, analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Students develop their professional skills, as well as the skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers, from scientific experts to the general public.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    GEES2101
    Nature, Country and Society 20 credits

    During the module you will explore the relationship of human societies to nature and the country. You will examine different cultural understandings of nature and rurality and how these impact the ways in which different cultures approach environmental problems. We will consider how the countryside is changing and the implications of these changes for people and nature. The module will be rich in case studies but will also ask you to think about your own lives in relation to the ideas we will be discussing.

    100% Coursework

    GEES2105
    Catchment and River Processes 20 credits

    Practically all human-environment interactions take place within river catchments and the coastal zone. To address key environmental challenges of the 21st century, such as climate change and sustainable resource management, we need to understand how these integrated systems function. This module provides the process knowledge required to contribute to global and local debates, and includes field and laboratory work.

    100% Coursework

    GEES2108
    Geographical Information Systems 20 credits

    Module provides grounding in theory and practical techniques of GIS. Lectures are on theory, methods and spatial literacy. Practical work covers stages of handling geospatial data, construction of GIS models and automation, provides exposure to a range of techniques in spatial analysis and visualisation, and gives context and experience to spatial literacy concepts. Knowledge and skills are developed in project work.

    50% Coursework

    50% Tests

    GEES2303
    Environmental Management and Sustainability 20 credits

    The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all students studying an environmentally focussed degree, including; ecological economics, life supporting resources, environmental policy tools and modes of governance.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2306
    Natural Ecosystems and Their Conservation 20 credits

    This module introduces students to natural ecosystems, including (but not limited to) biological adaptation, diversity, conservation, regenerative agriculture, restoration and management.

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    50% Tests

  • Optional placement year

  • Choose an optional year working in industry to improve your knowledge of applied geography and gain invaluable work experience. Our employability service will help you find a placement from our extensive network across all sectors.

    Core modules

    GEES3000
    Placement 0 credits

    This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • In your final year, you now take control of your learning journey. Tailor your degree to your developing interests and choose from a wide range of fascinating specialist modules providing you with the latest research and thinking on key physical and/or social challenges. With one-to-one support, become an expert in a particular topic area that has ignited your interest and produce a piece of evidence-led research that shows off your skills in analysis and communication to future employers.

    Core modules

    GEES3108
    Dissertation in Geography 40 credits

    Students undertake a major piece of independent, investigative research into a geographical issue of their choice and report on this in a dissertation of ca.12,000 words. The report should establish the wider academic context for the investigation and demonstrate originality and the effective application of intellectual, subject-specific and key skills.

    100% Coursework

    Optional modules

    GEES3001
    Work Based Learning in Geography and Sustainability 20 credits

    This module provides an opportunity for students to experience professional practice in environmental management and sustainability. Students will undertake a minimum of 100 hours service with a professional organisation (private, public or third sector). You will investigate the organisation's practice in environmental management and sustainability and further develop professional attitudes and behaviours.

    70% Coursework

    30% Practicals

    GEES3002
    Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential 20 credits

    Students embark on novel exploration of critical, real-world challenges in a field context. After exploring key themes, they collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of their own creation. This hands-on experience will sharpen existing expertise and develop transdisciplinary skills, preparing them to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3101
    Sustainable Cities 20 credits

    The aim of the module is to explore the challenges of sustainable urban growth in contemporary cities, in the UK and internationally. A key focus is understanding how spatial planning and urban governance can tackle sustainable development and climate change challenges in an increasingly urban world. Using geographical concepts, these issues will be explored through case studies and good practice from a range of cities.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3104
    Environmental Politics and Governance 20 credits

    This module explores the main concepts and forces shaping environmental politics and governance. It examines how science, ethics, interests and power influence environmental debate and decision-making, using case studies of climate change, energy, deforestation, air pollution, marine protection and Antarctica to interrogate how governments and other actors have strived to address global to local environmental challenges.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES3105
    Dryland Change 20 credits

    Drylands comprise 47% of the world’s land surface and are home to > 2 billion people. They are highly susceptible to environmental change (human, climate, tectonic), and preserve archives of that change over human to Quaternary timescales. This module builds expertise in reading the geomorphological record of drylands (process and landform), and examines the challenges of living sustainably with these dynamic landscapes.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES3106
    Long-term Environmental Change 20 credits

    Society is dependent on the environment for sustaining life as we currently know it. This module takes a series of environmental challenges and places them in a long-term perspective to place current disruptions in a longer-term context. The module focusses on how we can learn lessons from the past to manage our current and future environment.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3107
    Contemporary Arctic and Alpine Challenges 20 credits

    High latitudes and altitudes are warming faster than many other regions of the world. This module takes a contemporary, and forward looking, perspective on the grand challenges that impact the resilience of these landscapes and societies in present and future climates and their associated hazards. Students will learn practical skills to quantify environmental pressures and critically evaluate mitigation strategies.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3109
    Big Data & Spatial Analytics 20 credits

    This module provides an overview of advanced spatial analysis concepts and facilitates practice of data processing and management skills. Data manipulation through programming is introduced and the concept of big data is presented. Themes and practice around the acquisition, processing, analysis, visualisation and application of big data are explored, drawing on examples from across the natural and social sciences.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3307
    The Environmental Professional 20 credits

    A series of real-world scenarios, which typical professionals in the environmental sector are exposed to, will be considered in an objective, scientific and interdisciplinary manner, taking into account a range of stakeholders. The material and professional development will be supported with guest speakers, seminar and workshops.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES3308
    Global Environmental Solutions 20 credits

    In this module students will take an interdisciplinary solution-based approach to contemporary global environmental issues employing ecological economics and sustainability principles along with environmental governance.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3309
    Biological Conservation 20 credits

    This module examines the pursuit of biological conservation. Drawing on a wide range of case study material, in temperate and tropical, terrestrial and aqueous environments, the module examines the drivers and rationales for biological conservation, and the role of stakeholders, policies, legislation and practices in achieving it.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3310
    Climate Change Action 20 credits

    The module introduces climate change adaptation and mitigation. Biotic and technological mitigation will be explored and evaluated in the context of different geographical settings.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

104 - 112

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

A level
Normal minimum entry requirements are 104 - 112 UCAS points, a typical offer is 112 points from a minimum of 2 A levels. To also including GCSE English and Mathematics grade C /4 or above or equivalent.
BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM. The full list of modules should be stated and it would be expected to include a range of topics complementary to geography. Individual advice can be provided by the admissions tutor. To also include GCSE English and Mathematics grade C /4 or above or equivalent.
Access to Higher Education at level 3
Pass a named Access to HE Diploma (e.g. science, humanities, combined), (including GCSE English and Mathematics grade C /4 or above or equivalent) with at least 33 credits at merit.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Happy to consider Welsh Baccalaureate in combination with other qualifications.
Scottish Qualifications Authority
104-112 UCAS points from Scottish Highers or Advanced Highers.
Irish Leaving Certificate
104 to 112 UCAS points – English and Maths considered within.
International Baccalaureate
26-27 points overall. English and Mathematics must be included.
Progression from foundation year geography
Students who pass the Plymouth foundation year geography programme are guaranteed progression to a choice of one of the BSc/BA (Hons) geography programmes. Detailed advice will be provided by the Admissions Tutor.

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Postgraduate scholarships for international students

We offer several scholarships for international students who wish to study postgraduate taught (PGT) degree programmes.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Assessment

  • 6Practical: 12%

  • .Exams: 9%

  • bCoursework: 79%

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is an essential part of studying geography. Our Royal Geographical Society accreditation means that all of our degree courses include learning through practical experience from the field.
Fieldwork may be subject to change due to staffing and external factors.

Discover facilities in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

As student in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences you will have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities.
These will support your learning in the field and in the laboratory – whether in traditional chemistry lab or a high-performance computing room. Many are solely for the use of our students and researchers and you will also have access to LABplus Resource Centre and the Marine Station.
Students using a petrographic microscope

Why study geography?

Celebrating 50 years of geography degrees at Plymouth

Oscar, BA (Hons) Geography student, shares his experience of a course field trip in Torquay

Careers with geography

Studying geography develops your analytical and communication skills and your ability to evaluate data, all strengths that are in demand in the graduate jobs market. Like other science graduates, you have a broad range of career paths open to you, though you may be particularly drawn to areas such as environmental planning, health, politics education, commerce, industry, transport, tourism, public sectors and international relations.
Geography 50

Professor Ian Bailey is an expert on national climate change acts and their contribution to accelerating action on climate change. He combines his research and teaching on climate and environmental politics in modules on sustainable futures and environmental politics and governance.

Centre for Research in Environment and Society (CeRES)

Our research is focused on environment-society interactions, environmental processes and change, and their governance through regulation, management policies and stakeholder involvement.
Individual staff engage with a wide range of other departments in universities and research institutes from around the world.
Soil erosion. Will Blake. 

Academic staff